Roe & Co Distillery Experiences

A warm welcome to Dublin’s Roe & Co Distillery Experience

If you’re looking for a whiskey tour that offers more than just a history lesson and tasting, the Roe & Co Distillery Experience might be just what you need. For around $29 per person, you get a 1 hour 15-minute behind-the-scenes look into a recently revitalized Dublin distillery, combined with a chance to create your own cocktail or explore the five pillars of flavor through blending. What makes this experience especially appealing is its small-group setting—max four people—which means plenty of personalized attention from the guides.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour: first, the interactive nature of the workshop—whether you’re building a whiskey Old Fashioned or learning the secrets behind flavor balance, you’re actively involved. Second, the location—set inside the historic former Guinness Power Station—adds a layer of authenticity and industrial chic that’s both visually and culturally engaging.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is strictly for those over 18, so it’s not suitable for families or minors. Also, since it’s a small-group experience, booking 16 days in advance is recommended to secure your spot. If you love craft cocktails, Irish whiskey, and a chance to get hands-on, this experience is tailor-made for you.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Setting: Max 4 people, ensuring personal interaction
• Two Experience Options: Cocktail blending or flavor pillars learning
• Historic Location: Inside the former Guinness Power Station
• Included Cocktail: Enjoy a crafted drink in the Powerhouse Bar after the workshop
• Well-Rated: 5-star reviews for engaging guides and memorable experiences
• Age Restriction: Strictly over 18, valid ID required

Exploring the Roe & Co Distillery Experience in Dublin

The Roe & Co Distillery Experience offers a rare blend of history, hands-on activity, and modern craft. Located in Dublin’s lively Liberties district, this fully functioning distillery breathes new life into a historic site that was once part of Guinness’s brewing empire. The building’s industrial charm, especially as it’s housed in the former Power Station, immediately sets an authentic tone.

What’s Unique About This Tour?

Unlike larger, more generic whiskey tours, Roe & Co focuses on personalized, interactive activities. You’ll join a small group, often just four participants, which means your guide can tailor the experience and give plenty of individual attention. This level of intimacy makes a significant difference, especially if you’re curious about the details behind whiskey blending or cocktail artistry.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the distillery, where you’ll learn about the brand’s rebirth and its connection to Dublin’s brewing history. The distillery is a modern space that also pays homage to its past—walking inside is like stepping into a piece of Dublin’s industrial heritage.

Two Main Options: Creating and Learning

At the heart of the experience are two workshop choices. You might choose to learn how to blend your own whiskey in Room 106, discovering what makes a whiskey balanced and flavorful. Alternatively, you can focus on crafting the perfect Old Fashioned, building your own blend of spirits and bitters for a personalized cocktail.

Many reviews highlight the interactive nature of these workshops. Greg D praised it as “more about mixing cocktails than simply tasting whiskey,” which offers a fun, practical skill that you can impress friends with back home. Wendy H summed up her experience as “a lot of fun,” especially enjoying sampling aromas and creating her own cocktails.

The Experience Doesn’t End at the Workshop

After your activity, you’re invited to relax in the Powerhouse Bar, sampling an included signature cocktail made with their spirits or your own blend. This added touch makes the experience feel relaxed and rewarding—a chance to toast your new skills and enjoy the atmospheric surroundings.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for craft cocktail lovers and whiskey enthusiasts who want to go beyond the standard tasting. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and learning how drinks are made, you’ll find this both enjoyable and educational. It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate a more personal, less commercialized tasting experience, as one reviewer mentioned it “felt more personal than the Jameson tour.”

Practical Details: What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Arrival & Introduction: You check in at the distillery, located conveniently in Dublin 8, and meet your guide. The building’s historic significance as a former Guinness Power Station offers an impressive backdrop.
• Guided Tour of the Distillery: You’ll learn about the distillery’s history, its connection to the Guinness legacy, and how Roe & Co is crafting its new whiskey.
• Workshop Choice: Depending on your selection, you’ll either:
  • Blend your own whiskey: Learn about the five pillars of flavor—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and how they influence whiskey profiles.
  • Create an Old Fashioned: Use spirits, bitters, and garnishes to craft a classic cocktail tailored to your taste.
• Sampling & Enjoyment: After your activity, taste the drinks you’ve made or sample their signature cocktails in the bar. Many reviewers mention the quality of the drinks and the friendly atmosphere.

What’s the Value?

At around $29, this tour offers a rich, personalized experience that blends history, skill-building, and tasting in a relaxed setting. The fact that it’s limited to small groups means you get more interaction and attention—a real plus compared to larger tours.

Considerations

• Booking early is advisable since most bookings are made 16 days in advance.
• Weather isn’t much of a concern inside as the tour is indoors, but if you’re arriving to walk around Dublin beforehand, dress accordingly.
• Strictly for adults—you’ll need valid ID to prove you’re over 18.

What People Are Saying

Reviewers overwhelmingly give this experience a perfect score. They praise the knowledgeable guides, the fun atmosphere, and the quality of the cocktails. Julie O called it “highly recommended,” and Wendy H enjoyed the “really cool, hip, and funky” vibe of the space. Several mention that the small-group setting makes the tour feel more personal and relaxed.

One less favorable comment was about the booking process through Viator, which some found chaotic, but the distillery staff was understanding and accommodating.

Final Thoughts: Who Is It Best For?

If you’re someone who enjoys craft cocktails, whiskey, and learning how they’re made, this experience hits the sweet spot. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized, engaging activity that offers both education and fun. The location in a historic Dublin building and the inclusion of a post-activity drink make it feel like a true insider experience.

It’s perfect for adults with a curiosity for spirits and those seeking a more authentic, less touristy alternative to larger distillery tours. If you’re traveling with friends who love mixing drinks, or if you simply want to add a memorable, hands-on activity to your Dublin trip, this experience delivers.

FAQ: Common Practical Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is strictly for those over 18, and valid ID is required.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including the workshop and tasting.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 16 days beforehand, and it’s recommended to reserve early due to limited group sizes.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided distillery tour, the workshop (cocktail making or flavor blending), and an included cocktail in the Powerhouse Bar.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the experience, for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for non-drinkers?
If you don’t drink alcohol, this tour might not be ideal, as it involves tasting and cocktail creation.

How accessible is the location?
It’s located near public transportation in Dublin 8, making it easy to reach.

Are there any dress code requirements?
No specific dress code, but comfortable clothing is fine. Since it’s indoors, dress for the weather outside.

What is the group size?
A maximum of four participants, which helps ensure a personal and engaging experience.

To sum it up, the Roe & Co Distillery Experience offers a blend of history, hands-on activity, and great drinks—all in a setting that’s both authentic and stylish. It’s ideal for those who want more than just a tasting, craving a memorable Dublin activity that’s fun, educational, and personal. Whether you’re a whiskey lover or a cocktail enthusiast, this tour promises a good time and some new skills to take home.